Sen. Tina Smith

Maddy summarySRES 36 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing the Senate's support for the United States working with states, cities, Tribal nations, businesses, and institutions to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. It urges federal, state, and local policies to reduce emissions and align with the Paris Agreement's objectives. The resolution highlights existing climate actions by states, cities, and businesses (like renewable energy commitments and the Inflation Reduction Act) but does not create new laws or funding. It serves as a symbolic statement of bipartisan support for climate action, noting the U.S. has submitted updated emissions targets to meet Paris goals.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 37) expresses the Senate's view that U.S. citizens should maintain continuous access to health information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It references existing HHS communications like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and CDC health alerts (e.g., for avian influenza or measles) as critical tools for public health. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or requirements - it simply states a principle supporting current HHS information-sharing practices. It directly affects the public by affirming their right to rely on these established federal health communications.

Maddy summaryThe DTC Act of 2025 requires pharmaceutical companies to disclose the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) for a 30-day supply (or typical treatment course) of prescription drugs in direct-to-consumer advertisements. This applies to drugs covered by Medicare or Medicaid, excluding those with a WAC under $35 per 30-day supply. The bill mandates clear, conspicuous display of the WAC in ads, along with a note that actual patient costs may vary based on insurance coverage. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes penalties for noncompliance, such as civil fines up to $100,000 per violation. The law aims to increase price transparency for consumers seeing drug ads, particularly affecting patients with high-deductible plans or Medicare beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Congress to formally declare war before the U.S. can conduct a first-use nuclear strike. It prohibits federal funding for any such attack unless Congress has declared war expressly authorizing it. The bill defines "first-use" as an attack launched without prior confirmation that the U.S., its territories, or allies have already been hit by a nuclear strike. This would directly affect the President’s authority to order nuclear weapons and require congressional approval for the most significant military decision.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 28) honors women who have served in combat roles in the U.S. Armed Forces. It recognizes their contributions, bravery, and sacrifices, specifically highlighting their service since 9/11 - including over 3,000 women earning combat badges - and acknowledges the Department of Defense opening all military roles to women in 2015. The resolution has no binding policy effect; it is a symbolic gesture to celebrate their service and inspire future generations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would strengthen antitrust enforcement by revising the standard for evaluating mergers to consider more than just price increases, including quality, choice, innovation, and entry barriers. It establishes a new Office of Competition Advocate within the Federal Trade Commission to monitor competition and recommend enforcement actions, and it allows the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to seek civil monetary penalties for antitrust violations. The bill also creates stronger whistleblower protections for employees reporting anticompetitive conduct and requires companies to report on the competitive effects of acquisitions. These changes aim to address growing market concentration and anticompetitive practices by large corporations.

Maddy summaryThe Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025 establishes a federal pilot program to fund repairs that improve accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency in homes owned by low-income individuals or rented as affordable housing. It directly affects eligible homeowners (with income at or below 80% of area median income who occupy their primary residence) and eligible landlords (small-scale owners of affordable rental properties with specific income and ownership criteria). The program provides grants to homeowners and forgivable loans to landlords for repairs covering accessibility modifications, habitability fixes, and energy efficiency upgrades, with landlords required to maintain affordability for three years and cap rent increases. Administered by local or state entities using up to $25 million in existing HUD funds, the pilot runs until 2030 and mandates coordination with other housing programs to avoid duplication.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters collectively, recognizing their service in protecting forests, grasslands, and communities. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal with input from the National Interagency Fire Center, with the medal to be displayed at that center for public access and research. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates at cost to cover production expenses, but does not create new benefits or policy changes for firefighters. The medal honors all federal, state, local, and contract wildland firefighters who serve in high-risk conditions, including those who have died or been injured in service.

Maddy summaryS 94, the "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act," authorizes three congressional gold medals for the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team members. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medals, with one medal displayed at each of three locations: the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Minnesota, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs. The legislation also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing the team's 1980 Olympic victory, not a policy change affecting current legislation or constituents.

Maddy summarySRES 19 is a Senate resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, commending his decades of public service, humanitarian work, and diplomatic achievements including the Camp David Accords and founding The Carter Center. The resolution specifically recognizes his Nobel Peace Prize, efforts to combat diseases like Guinea worm, and 30+ years of Habitat for Humanity homebuilding. It formally mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family, while highlighting his role in establishing U.S.-China diplomatic relations and creating the Departments of Education and Energy. As a symbolic resolution with no policy impact, it directly affects no individuals or entities but serves as a formal Senate tribute to Carter's historical contributions.